Trent University Durham will come alive with activity and excitement next week as the campus welcomes nearly 400 new incoming students – the largest incoming group to date in the institution’s 40-year history in the Durham Region – for the annual Fall Start-Up Orientation set to run Tuesday, September 6 and Wednesday, September 7 in partnership with Trent Durham Student Association (TDSA).

The two-day orientation program is geared towards easing new students’ transition into university life by acquainting them with student supports and services, preparing them for classes with academic workshops and seminars, ensuring they are able to fully engage with faculty and staff, and giving them the opportunity to meet and get to know their fellow classmates.

“Trent University Durham’s orientation is designed to ensure that each incoming student develops friendships with their peers, connects with the diverse clubs, intramural, and leadership programming on the campus, and learns the skills needed to succeed at university,” explains Justin Fisher, director of student affairs at Trent University Durham. “This year, we’ve extended our orientation activities to include a concert that will take place in mid-September, when students have already forged friendships and can plan to attend the concert together.”

Students who participate in both orientation days will connect with their peers, upper year students, faculty and staff to discover all that Trent University Durham has to offer. They will also receive academic support including information on time management, writing skills and academic integrity to help build their confidence as they enter into the school year.

“We’re thrilled to welcome so many new students to campus this year,” remarked Jaclyn Hruby, vice-president of Campus Life with the TDSA. “We’ve planned an orientation program that is a mixture of fun and engaging activities, combined with really useful academic skills-building exercises and workshops. At the end of orientation, we want each student to feel comfortable on campus and confident as they begin their academic careers at Trent.”

Highlights of Fall Start-Up Orientation at Trent University Durham are listed below, including exciting photo opportunities:

Registration and Opening Ceremonies

Tuesday, September 6, 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Students will be welcomed into the University and be taken through a series of ice breakers. Head of Trent University Durham, Joe Muldoon, will welcome students to the campus.

Drumming Circle

Tuesday, September 6, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Led by Drum Café, the Drumming Circle is an interactive, fully facilitated drumming inclusive activity. Each student will be given an African Drum and specialized instructions on how to play. Drum Circle staff will lead students through different beats and harmonize the group, all while teaching students about the importance of the individual and the group. This high energy event is designed to connect our incoming students with their peers through interactive rhythm and music.

Trent Think Tank

Wednesday, September 7, 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Before classes officially begin, new students will have the opportunity to experience what a university-level seminar is like by discussing serious and compelling issues with their campus faculty. Students and faculty selected a text and a documentary for this year’s Trent University Durham Think Tank that will provide lively debates.

Academic Sessions

Wednesday, September 7, 1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

This is an important piece of orientation for all new Trent students as they learn many different academic skills through these specially-designed sessions and workshops in order to give them a strong head start on their first classes.

First Year Experience Certificate

Open to all new students at Trent University Durham, the new First Year Experience Certificate Program is a developmental program designed to provide students an opportunity to strengthen skills in many different areas throughout the sessions to increase academic success. Sessions are interactive in nature and allow students to learn through directed discussion and activities under themes such as: life skills, social development, career exploration, goal setting, and more. Sessions will be facilitated by staff, faculty, and peers.

Born Ruffians Concert

Friday, September 16, 8:00 p.m.

Canadian indie rock band, the Born Ruffians, will be performing live, as part Trent’s extended orientation activities later in the month. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Upper year students, alumni, and friends are welcomed and encouraged to attend.